Greg Oden Charged with Felony Battery

Peter Socotch of CSNNW.com reports that Greg Oden has been formally charged with felony battery in connection with an August 7th incident in which Oden's girlfriend was injured.

Police "observed blood, swelling to the nose, lacerations to the forehead and nose area of the victim's face," according to the report. They also "observed blood on the sofa and floor in the sitting area. (They) observed (blood) on the living room carpet (and) dirt from a flower pot that was knocked over."

"Things got out of control and I started to go after the victim," Oden was quoted by police in the report. "My relative and witness tried to hold me back, but as I swung my arms to move them out of the way, then punched the victim in the face."

"I was wrong, and I know what has to happen," Oden told police, according to the report.

Indiana's WHTR adds the following details:

Oden faces a felony charge for battery resulting in serious bodily injury, plus an another two misdemeanor charges (domestic battery, battery resulting in serious bodily injury).

Court documents say the victim needed three stitches between her eyebrows. Her left eye was nearly swollen shut and she will have to wait for the swelling to subside before a nasal bone fracture can be straightened and set. The woman told hospital staff she had fallen, but Oden admitted to striking her.

The court documents also say that Oden stopped hitting the woman when she saw she was bleeding. She told police that she and Oden, along with another friend, had gone out to a club that night and that Oden had had a few shots of alcohol and some beers. She said he sometimes gets upset when he drinks, and that the couple had had some relationship difficulties recently. The two began to argue once they returned to Oden's mother's house.

The definition of Battery Resulting in a Serious Injury:

In Indiana, the crime of battery causing serious bodily injury is committed by intentionally or knowingly touching another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner that results in serious bodily injury to the victim. Serious bodily injury creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious and permanent disfigurement, unconsciousness, extreme pain, loss of a fetus, or permanent or lasting impairment of any part of the body.
(Ind. Code Ann. § 35-41-1-25, 35-42-2-1.)

Sentencing for conviction of a Class C Felony Battery in Indiana ranges from 2 to 8 years.

Oden's issues with alcohol have been well-chronicled.

WHTR provides a link to the probable cause document.

--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / @DaveDeckard